‘We Love NYC Homecoming Concert’

Wyclef Jean arrives at the 42nd American Music Awards in Los Angeles
Wyclef Jean arrives at the 42nd American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California Nov. 23, 2014.
REUTERS/Danny Moloshok/File

Mayor Bill de Blasio, music industry legend Clive Davis, and Live Nation and NYCEDC chair, Danny Meyer have announced the all-star lineup set to perform at the “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert.”

The event, produced by New York City, Clive Davis and Live Nation, will take place on the Great Lawn in Central Park on Saturday, Aug. 21.

“This historic, once-in-a-generation concert, presented by Citi® and Expedia®, in Central Park will feature an array of music icons and contemporary artists spanning musical and entertainment genres,” the Mayor’s Office said.

The artists include: Jon Batiste; Andrea Bocelli; Kane Brown; LL COOL; J, Elvis Costello; Lucky Daye; Earth, Wind & Fire; Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds; Cynthia Erivo; Jimmy Fallon; Jennifer Hudson; Wyclef Jean; Journey; The Killers; Gayle King; Don Lemon; Barry Manilow; The New York Philharmonic; Polo G; Carlos Santana; Paul Simon; Patti Smith; Bruce Springsteen; and Rob Thomas.

“As a celebration of New York City’s comeback, the concert will promote health, safety and equity,” said the mayor, disclosing that 80 percent of concert tickets will be available for free.

For ticketholders, he said proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry.

Given the outdoor setting and vaccination requirement, masks will be optional, de Blasio said.

“This is going to be an historic, monumental moment for all New Yorkers and all Americans,” he said. “I’ll put it plainly: You’re going to want to be here. This is truly once in a lifetime, and we thank Clive Davis, Live Nation and Danny Meyer for all their efforts to help make this possible.

“This is a celebration of our city, of every working family who faced incredible challenges last year and overcame,” de Blasio added. “This is a celebration for you.”

“There is absolutely no place more special than Central Park to celebrate the reopening of New York City,” said Clive Davis. “I consider the mayor’s request a true honor; and, with Live Nation, we are curating an unforgettable show befitting of this historic occasion.”

Geoff Gordon, regional president, Live Nation, said: “Live music has the unique ability to bring us together.

“We are excited to join Mayor de Blasio, Clive Davis and Danny Meyer in producing this special night of live music as we reconnect fans with some of their favorite artists in Central Park for the ‘We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert,’” he said.

“New Yorkers know that their city is waking up and coming back strongly — and I can’t think of a more uplifting way to celebrate than to enjoy live music from some of the world’s most renowned artists, on the Great Lawn of NYC’s Central Park,” said Danny Meyer, board chairman of the NYCEDC and chief executive officer of Union Square Hospitality Group. “I’m thrilled to join Mayor de Blasio, Clive Davis and Geoff Gordon for what I know will be an event for the ages.”

Gates will open for the concert at 3:00 pm on Aug. 21. The concert will begin at 5:00 pm and aired live worldwide exclusively on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and unauthenticated on CNNGo.